TED global ideas forum spreads to Cayman Islands

TED conferences – the global phenomenon of inspirational bite-size speeches – is coming to the Cayman Islands for the first time.

A mix of local and international speakers is slated for TEDxSevenMileBeach, the Cayman version of the world famous forum which brings thinkers together to share their visions under the slogan “ideas worth spreading.”

Presenters are given 18 minutes to present their ideas in the most innovative and engaging way they can. The global forum, which has attracted speakers ranging from Microsoft founder Bill Gates to former U.S. president Bill Clinton and chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall, has become an Internet phenomenon.

TEDx events, like the one planned for Cayman on April 3, are part of a program of local, independently organized events, franchising the TED concept and structure around the world.

Marzeta Bodden, the TEDx licensee for Cayman, said: “I am very excited to bring the TEDx experience to the Cayman Islands. I am a strong believer in the power of connection through conversation. TEDxSevenMileBeach is a deep immersion experience that will engage the people of the Cayman Islands in a way that has never been done before.”

Despite the name, the event will be held, not on the beach but at the Harquail Theatre in George Town. There is room for 100 people and those who wish to attend will have to go through an application process online, explaining why they want to go and what TED means to them. Successful applicants can buy a ticket for $100.

“Anyone can apply, but the more creative the application, the more likely you are to be accepted,” said Jenna Lucas of Tower Marketing, which is promoting the event.

The conference will feature a mix of local and international speakers with a theme of “Connecting to Possibility.”

Speakers announced so far include Javier Sanchez, an author and inspirational speaker for youth; mental health counselor Taylor Burrowes; and Lady Rabia Abdul-Hakim, the children’s author and poet who made headlines when she rescued her six children and brought them to Cayman from Jordan after divorcing her husband in the kingdom.

Architect Marni Evans, an expert in sustainable building, will also speak. His topic is “love-powered design.”

Ms. Lucas said the organizers plan to have around 10 speakers for the event.

Ms. Bodden added, “I am honored to curate this event, and look forward to what is possible for everyone involved and the Cayman Islands.”